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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 9, 2020 7 Commissioner Wicklund asked for a brief description on what would have to be done to update City Code. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained this would require a Zoning Ordinance Amendment, which would require public hearings, neighborhood meeting, Planning Commission review and City Council approval. Commissioner Wicklund stated for the record residents were concerned about the precedent that would be set if this variance were approved. He discussed how lake activities have changed over the years and how there may be a need to address City Code because of this. He commented because of the unique slope of the property he would be supporting the requested variance for Mr. Samuelson moving onto the City Council. Commissioner Jefferys stated she appreciated this discussion and how hard the applicant has worked to address the concerns that have been raised. She explained she believed the lake was a resource for a lot of people and for this reason, the bar has to be set higher in order for a variance to be approved. She commented on the practical difficulty standards and indicated she did not believe the applicant has a proven practical difficulty. She was of the opinion the proposed shed would change the character of the neighborhood. For this reason, she would not be supporting the variance request. Commissioner Lambeth moved and Commissioner Jones seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 20-017 for a Variance at 3493 Siems Court based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the four (4) conditions in the December 9, 2020, report to the Planning Commission. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 4- 3 (Commissioners Jefferys, Subramanian, and Vijums opposed). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Councilmember Scott provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. He discussed the results of the recent election and noted Minnesota had a 79.956% voter turnout, which was the highest in the nation. He reported Communications Coordinator Gretchen Nedham joined the City last month. He stated the Council was working to finalize the 2021 budget and noted the Truth In Taxation Hearing would be held on Monday, December 14, 2020. He reported the Council was considering chicken keeping in the City of Arden Hills. He thanked the Commissioners for their service to the community and wished everyone Happy Holidays. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Chair Gehrig reported he would be stepping down from the Planning Commission after January 2021. He thanked the City for the opportunity to serve the community.